[Feature Request] DualSense virtual controller emulation (adaptive triggers)

[hifihedgehog]

Description

Add DualSense as a virtual controller output type, enabling adaptive trigger support and other DualSense-specific features for games with native DualSense support.

Use Cases

• Games with native DualSense support could receive adaptive trigger data from any physical controller
• Passthrough mode for real DualSense controllers with optional feature enhancements (lightbar, audio haptics)
• Full DualSense feature set available as a virtual output option alongside Xbox 360, DS4, and vJoy

Current State

Virtual controller output currently supports Xbox 360 (ViGEm), DualShock 4 (ViGEm), and vJoy. DualSense emulation would require a kernel-mode virtual controller driver capable of presenting a DualSense device identity.

Feasibility

DualSense virtual controller emulation depends on driver-level support that does not currently exist in any open-source project. The only known implementation is Nefarius VirtualPad, which is a closed-source commercial framework available exclusively to business partners. We have reached out to the developer to explore whether any form of open-source or non-commercial licensing might be possible, but there is no guarantee this will materialize.

Without access to a DualSense virtual controller driver, this feature cannot be implemented. Building one from scratch would require kernel-mode driver development and EV code signing ($250–$500/year), making it a significant undertaking beyond the scope of PadForge alone.

This feature request remains open but should be considered unlikely unless the driver situation changes.

Origin

Requested by @ThreeDeeJay in #1.

[hifihedgehog]

Internal note: Reached out to Nefarius about VirtualPad DualSense emulation — discussion posted at nefarius/DsHidMini#424. Awaiting response. This is a dependency for this feature unless we find/build an alternative DualSense virtual device driver.